Yakima, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Under YMC 6.56, it is unlawful for the owner or occupant of any property to maintain or permit any tree or shrub on or in front of the property with lower limbs or any part projecting over the sidewalk or street at an elevation of less than 8 feet. YMC Chapter 8.77 (Public Tree Ordinance) reinforces this: every owner of any tree overhanging any street or right-of-way within the city shall prune the branches and shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs, which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The City may itself prune any tree or shrub on private property which overhangs the public right-of-way or interferes with public health and safety (YMC 8.80.080). It is unlawful for any person or firm to engage in the business of pruning, treating, or removing street trees or park trees within the city without first obtaining all necessary Washington State licenses and a City of Yakima business license. It is also unlawful as a normal practice for any person or city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property.